Many people in Western Sahara hope Morocco's long-discussed autonomy plan for the area -- now backed by the UN Security Council -- will accelerate development and end the half-century-long territorial dispute.

Its main city of Laayoune, with modern apartment blocks built among sand dunes some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean, already projects an image of growth and stability.

But the sprawling desert city of around 250,000 people remains at the heart of the conflict that has pitted Rabat against the Algiers-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the mainly tribal native Sahrawi people.

Cafes and restaurants in Laayoune are full, and official portraits of King Mohammed VI and Moroccan flags hang from balconies.

Many Sahrawi tribal leaders interviewed by AFP voiced support for Rabat's plan.

Among them, Abdallah Salhi said the plan would mean "living off our resources and having elected officials, a parliament and a government that manages this region".

While mineral-rich Western Sahara remains on the UN list of non-self-governing........

© Al Monitor